Identity fraud graphic

CONCORD – A 56-year-old Pelham woman whose criminal history includes pleading guilty to stealing nearly a quarter million dollars from a Bedford claims management service she worked for is now facing a new set of 10 charges, accusing her of bilking thousands of dollars from an elderly woman.

Irene M. Nutter, who also goes by Irene Jutras, who previously lived in Londonderry and Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, was arrested late last week following a multi-jurisdictional investigation into allegations she “posed as another person” – an 86-year-old Derry woman – by using the woman’s name on credit applications to online retailers and credit card companies, according to the office of Deputy Attorney General Jane E. Young.

Those alleged actions, which Young said took place between March 28, 2019 and Jan. 9, 2020, in Derry, resulted in eight counts of identity fraud, Class A felonies for which prosecutors are seeking an extended-term of imprisonment based on allegations that Nutter “intended to take advantage of (alleged victim’s) age and/or disability that impaired her ability to manage her property and financial resources …,” according to Young.

Each count carries a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison and a $4,000 fine, she added.

The state is also seeking extended-term imprisonment on the other two charges, both of which are theft by unauthorized taking. One is a Class A felony, the other a Class B felony, based on the amount of money involved.

Young said the companies to which Nutter allegedly applied include Citibank, Best Buy, JP Morgan Chase, Overstock.com, Wayfair.com, Zulily.com, TJX Companies, Country Door, and a bank and a credit union where the alleged victim had accounts.

According to a Lowell Sun story first published in 2011, Nutter, who was 47 at the time, allegedly stole about $34,000 from a Westford, Massachusetts research and development company, and $6,000 from a small ink-supply company in Billerica, both of which she worked for at different times.

She allegedly spent the money on a Carnival cruise and at the Foxwoods casino, as well as plane fare and hotel rooms.

Last week’s arrest, meanwhile, was the result of a joint investigation by Derry and Pelham police, Young said. Prosecuting the case is Assistant Attorney General Bryan J. Townsend II of the Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit.

Young said authorities urge residents who believe they, or someone they know, have been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation to contact their local police or call the state Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services at 800-949-0470.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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